V & V - Rageous Rageon Redemption.

G O T C H A

Veneer POV:

As we crowd into the elevator, silence envelops us throughout the ride. Upon reaching the top floor, Fred and Kid Ritz exit first, stepping out slowly and quietly. Rollie and I follow carefully, uncertain of what awaits us. The apartment is serene, with the only distinct sound being the laundry machine in operation.

Fred and Kid Ritz search the rooms and anxiously return to Rollie and me, reporting that none of the girls can be found. Rollie glances at me with concern as he slowly turns the key to the laundry room, exposing the dramatic and grotesque scene that awaits us.

The laundry room is strewn with clothes, soaked in black blood. Black worms wriggle about, as expected. The doors of the washer and dryer are ajar, with worms overflowing into the chaotic mess on the floor.

On the wall, as if written with smeared hands, is the word; G O T C H A.

I have to quickly walk away from the scene and hurry to Kid Ritz's bedroom to avoid crying. The images of Velv and Jewels lost and weeping somewhere make me nauseous. I can't say anything while I hear the boys talking in the hallway, as I'm too overwhelmed with emotion and fear to form complete sentences.

As badly as I want to get high, melt everything away, I don't pull out my ring pop. I need to accept that things are bad, and the first step is to stay as sober as I can while figuring out what's next.

Kid Ritz POV:

I want to pass out when I see the laundry room, while Ven looks immediately distraught as he enters my bedroom. I can see Fred's anger rising, yet he surprises me by staying calm enough not to start yelling. I feel hot, dizzy, and scared all at once, knowing Mama is gone... and I have no idea where she went. Rollie whimpers softly, turning toward Fred and me with heavy, glittering tears in his eyes.

Rollie: "I'm so sorry."

Fred's face softens as he pulls Rollie in for a hug. Rollie begins to sob into Fred's shoulder, the sound heart-wrenching.

Fred: "Shh, love. It's okay, I've got you."

Rollie cries harder, his knees shaking as his body wracks with tears. I feel so bad for him. 

Kid Ritz: "Hey, let's get you sitting down."

Fred and I guide him out of the laundry room and into his bedroom. Fred sits beside him on the bed, looking up at me with concern as Rollie cries.

Fred: "Lovey, you need to try to breathe. You're going to make yourself sick."

Rollie shakes his head, cradling it in his hands.

Rollie: "It's all my fault!"

Fred and I frown at each other before looking down at Rollie.

Fred: "Love, what is?"

Rollie: "I should have stayed behind! Or not let us go in the first place! My apartment was supposed to be safe, and now they're gone!"

He cries impossibly harder, the sight making me want to cry even more. Fred rubs his back, holding him close with one hand around his waist and the other rubbing his knee. Fred shushes and comforts him while kissing and murmuring against his temple. I have to admit, I'm proud of how maturely he's handling this.

I move slowly to sit beside Rollie as his crying starts to slow. I grab his hand and begin rubbing my thumb over his knuckles. Fred looks at me sadly as we try to match our breathing, hoping Rollie will catch on. He does and begins taking shaky and shallow breaths that soon turn into deeper and calmer ones.